The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce bestowed BestSlope NEXTGen Awards on 20 young professionals during its YP Summit on Aug. 19 at Colorado Mesa University.

The recipients represent industries that span business, banking, construction, education, media, nonprofit leadership, economic development, the arts and more. They are being recognized for showing leadership, innovation and commitment that is making a lasting impact across Mesa County.

The 2026 BestSlope NEXTGen honorees are:

• Micah Adams — Dynamic Program Management.
• Kate Avery — ProSpace Interiors.
• Matt Bell — Grand Junction Economic Partnership.
• Leonela Castellon — SEA Strategy & Design.
• Nikki Clark — Alpine Bank.
• Giselle Genova — Grand Valley Creative Alliance.
• Cody Iden — FCI Constructors Inc.
• Adrianna Jacobsen — Food Bank of the Rockies.
• Tosha Long — Dog Dynasty.
• Laurel Lutz — Habitat for Humanity of Mesa County.
• Natalee Machuca – Ute Water Conservancy District.
• Chris Masters — HomewardBound of the Grand Valley.
• Emily McConnell — Mesa County Libraries.
• Andrew Price — Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra.
• Pascual Ramos — Kooler Garage Doors.
• Kristof Reiter — Reiter USA.
• Sean Rubalcaba — Colorado Mesa University.
• Stina Sieg — Colorado Public Radio.
• Ian Skrine — The Christi Reece Group.
• Danielle Sterle — Mesa County Regional Transportation Planning Office.

The event was presented by Community Hospital, Alpine Bank and FCI Constructors and hosted by the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with theYoung Professionals Network of Mesa County.